Title : Roles and Missions for Conventionally Armed Heavy Bombers. An Historical Perspective.

Corporate Author : RAND CORP SANTA MONICA CA

Personal Author(s) : Johnson, Dana J.

Report Date : 1994

Pagination or Media Count : 152

Abstract : The purpose of this report is to gain insight from analysis of past campaigns of the military utility of conventionally armed heavy bombers and the practical realities of bomber operations. This study examines the employment of long-range bombers in alternative roles as illustrated in five historical campaigns: two associated with World War II, one with the Korean conflict, and two with the Vietnam War. To bring the analysis into current-day focus, the role of the B-52 in the Operation Desert Storm air campaign is briefly assessed. Finally, extensive operational details such a Linebacker II route maps are included in the appendices. This study should be of use to military and civilian defense planners interested in long-range bombers, strategic modernization, arms control, cruise missiles, conventional power projection, air defense penetration, stealth technology, and advanced conventional munitions effectiveness.